Peter Levine's "An Autobiography of Trauma" is a deeply personal memoir that intertwines his professional research with his own healing journey from trauma. The book explores the profound impact of trauma on the body and the power of mindful attention in guiding recovery. Levine shares his experiences with sexual assault and the development of Somatic Experiencing, a therapy focused on bodily sensations. He also recounts mystical encounters, including vivid dreams and interactions with Albert Einstein, which played a significant role in his therapeutic approach. The book offers a raw and vulnerable account of trauma and healing, inviting readers to explore their own experiences.
In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Remembers Trauma and How to Heal by Peter A. Levine explores the impact of trauma on the body and mind. Levine, the originator of Somatic Experiencing, details how trauma is stored in the body and how it can be released through specific techniques. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing the physical sensations associated with trauma rather than solely focusing on cognitive processing. It provides a framework for understanding and healing from trauma through body-awareness and gentle movement. Levine's work offers a path to recovery for individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma.
Set in December 1939, 'Waking the Tiger' is a historical crime fiction novel that takes place in the British colony of Singapore. The story revolves around Inspector Maximo Betancourt, whose life has fallen apart after the disappearance of his wife. Demoted to the Marine Division, Betancourt is tasked with handling dockyard disputes and goods inspections. However, when a beautiful, unidentified Japanese woman is found murdered near a warehouse owned by one of Singapore's most powerful families, Betancourt defies orders to pursue the case. His investigation brings him into conflict with powerful enemies and forces him to confront his personal demons. The novel vividly captures the atmosphere of 1930s Singapore, delving into the social history and cultural tensions of the time[1][3][5].
In An Autobiography of Trauma: A Healing Journey (Park Street Press, 2024), renowned developer of Somatic Experiencing Peter A. Levine shares his personal journey to heal his own severe childhood trauma offering profound insights into the evolution of his innovative trauma healing method.
Casting himself as a modern-day Chiron, the wounded healer of Greek mythology, Dr. Levine describes, in graphic detail, the violence of his childhood juxtaposed with specific happy and exuberant memories, which helped him prepare for coming to terms with his horrifying experiences. He shares his inner experience of being guided through Somatic Experiencing (SE) to illuminate and untangle his traumatic wounds and describes the mysterious and unexpected dreams and visions that have guided him through his life’s work. Exploring his dream visitations from Albert Einstein in depth, he explains how he came to view Einstein as his personal spirit guide and mentor and how he later discovered his own personal and profound real-life connection to him through his mother.
Describing his breakthroughs in developing Somatic Experiencing, the author details how he helped thousands of others before resolving his own trauma years later with the support of his method. He explains how the SE method is derived from his studies of wild animals in their natural environments, neurobiology, and more than 50 years of clinical observations. He describes his education and career as well as his encounters with noteworthy figures such as somaticists Charlotte Selver and Ida Rolf, ethological zoologist Nikolaas Tinbergen, and autism pioneer Mira Rothenberg.
Unveiling the inner story of the man who changed the way psychologists, doctors, and healers understand and treat the wounds of trauma and abuse, this autobiography reveals how anyone suffering from trauma has a valuable story to tell. And by telling our stories, we can catalyze the return of hope, dignity, and wholeness.
Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in Medical and Biological Physics from the University of California at Berkeley and a doctorate in Psychology from International University. The recipient of four lifetime achievement awards, he is the author of several books, including An Autobiography of Trauma and Waking the Tiger, which has now been printed in 33 countries and has sold over a million copies.
Helena Vissing, PsyD, SEP, PMH-C is a Licensed Psychologist practicing in California. She can be reached at contact@helenavissing.com. She is the author of Somatic Maternal Healing: Psychodynamic and Somatic Treatment of Trauma in the Perinatal Period (Routledge, 2023).
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